Diagnostic Tests for Esophagus Cancer

Diagnostic Test list for Esophagus Cancer: The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Esophagus Cancer includes:

• Physical exam
• Barium swallow (esophagram)
• Esophagoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Biopsy
• Tests for metastatic spread of the cancer:
  • CT scan
  • Bone scan
  • Bronchoscopy

Tests and diagnosis discussion for Esophagus Cancer: To help find the cause of symptoms, the doctor evaluates a person's medical history and performs a physical exam. The doctor usually orders a chest x-ray and other diagnostic tests. These tests may include the following:

• A barium swallow (also called an esophagram) is a series of x-rays of the esophagus. The patient drinks a liquid containing barium, which coats the inside of the esophagus. The barium makes any changes in the shape of the esophagus show up on the x-rays.

• Esophagoscopy (also called endoscopy) is an examination of the inside of the esophagus using a thin lighted tube called an endoscope. An anesthetic (substance that causes loss of feeling or awareness) is usually used during this procedure. If an abnormal area is found, the doctor can collect cells and tissue through the endoscope for examination under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. A biopsy can show cancer, tissue changes that may lead to cancer, or other conditions.

Some tests used to determine whether the cancer has spread include:

• CAT (or CT) scan (computed tomography). A computer linked to an x-ray machine creates a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body.

• Bone scan. This technique, which creates images of bones on a computer screen or on film, can show whether cancer has spread to the bones. A small amount of radioactive substance is injected into a vein; it travels through the bloodstream, and collects in the bones, especially in areas of abnormal bone growth. An instrument called a scanner measures the radioactivity levels in these areas.

• Bronchoscopy. The doctor puts a bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) into the mouth or nose and down through the windpipe to look into the breathing passages.

Diagnosis of Esophagus Cancer: medical news summaries: The following medical news items are relevant to diagnosis of Esophagus Cancer:

• Adenocarcinoma incidence is increasing dramatically
• New treatment for esophageal cancer involves laser light

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